We're in the middle of a very active rainy season, and water damage will unfortunately be a problem for many in New Bedford, Acushnet, Freetown, and the surrounding towns in Bristol County. At ServiceMaster Dynamic Cleaning we recognize that water damage isn't fun and can be a big problem. We recommend to all of our customers the need for swift treatment of any and all damage caused by water or flooding. Waiting or trying to do it yourself can be very costly. The sooner the damage is treated, the better the chances for successful water mitigation.

It's never a good thing to see spots on your walls, especially if they indicate mold growth. According to the Insurance Information Institute at least 1,000 species of mold are common to the United States - and mold is everywhere. While most molds are not hazardous, too much exposure to some molds may cause asthma or other health issues. And even if the mold doesn't cause health problems, it can definitely damage your home.

Despite the overwhelming media coverage recent hurricanes and severe weather have garnered, a majority of homeowners still do not have adequate flood insurance. Of the four out of five homeowners who know that a standard homeowner's insurance policy does not cover flood damage, only 14% had a flood insurance policy according to a 2015 poll by the Insurance Information Institute.

Over the past few months, we have had a large number of customers experiencing hot water tank and appliance overflows resulting in expensive water damage. Unfortunately, it's an upsetting story that we hear too often - bubbles overflowing onto the laundry room floor like in a bad sitcom episode. But the end result is no joke - rooms and contents flooded with water. The water often travels down several floors, damaging ceilings, flooring, and walls. And even a small leak, if not addressed immediately, can lead to long-term damage and mold growth.

Summer is the time for outdoor cooking and fun in the sun. There's nothing better than a burger hot off the grill or lounging by the fire pit staring at the stars. But the combination of fire, fuel, and people can be deadly. And as summer gets into full swing, we thought it might be helpful to look at some specifics of backyard fire injury and how to prevent it.

Fire sprinklers have been used to protect commercial buildings for more than 100 years. More recently, new types of sprinkler systems have been developed for residences which offer superior levels of fire safety for both life and property. However, many builders and homeowners think that sprinklers are too expensive and not worth installation. Since May is National Building Safety Month, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) is highlighting the benefits of home sprinklers by dispelling these 5 common myths which you may not know about:

Water damage is a serious hazard and happens far more often than people think. It can strike a home at any time, resulting from any number of different problems, leaving the homeowner unsure of where to turn for water extraction and restoration. Any leak, whether due to faulty plumbing, a leaky roof or other issue, can cause structural damage which can continue to worsen over time if not properly treated.